Stevenson, a noted wrestler and winner of TUF 2 is coming off a recent decision victory over Nate Diaz at the Ultimate Fighter 9 finale. This is his 12th fight in the UFC where he boasts a record of 7-4. Joe is no stranger to the big stage as he’s fought in numerous UFC pay-per-views (7) and even had a shot at BJ Penn’s lightweight title (UFC 80). The judo and BJJ black belt is an accomplished wrestler, but he also has a pretty good submission game (most of his submission victories have come by way of RNC or guillotine choke). Joe is a battle tested opponent and has had notable bouts with Jens Pulver, Josh Neer, BJ Penn, Diego Sanchez, Kenny Florian and Nate Diaz.

Here is Stevenson’s take on Spencer Fisher:

“It’s not a secret that he wants to keep it on the feet, because that’s where he feels he’s gonna be more apt to do it. But you know what, I’ll stay on my feet as long as I want to, and I will decide and I will dictate when I take him down and what I do to him. And he will not have a say in it and for him that will be very frustrating. And I’m looking to finish him. I’m not looking for a Fight of the Night. I’m looking for a submission or knockout of the night. I want this so bad I can taste it. I dream about it, I think about it, I talk to my wife about it. In the middle of the day I just snap and curse his name. I want this really bad – for me and for everyone who wants to see the improvement, I’m fighting in Southern California, which is my backyard, and I’m just ready to do this.”

Spencer Fisher is coming into this fight with a hard fought decision victory over Caol Uno at UFC 99. The UFC veteran is coming into his 29th fight overall and his 12th fight in the UFC (8-3). The MFS fighter is used to tough opponents too having faced Thiago Alves, Dan Lauzon, Frankie Edgar, Jeremy Stephens and most recently, Caol Uno. Fisher has great stand up skills and utilizes Muay Thai kickboxing in the Octagon (YouTube his flying knee KO of Matt Wiman).

In an exclusive interview with Brawl Sports, Fisher stated he knew exactly what Stevenson is going to do in this fight.

“I don’t care what Joe says, he’s going to try to take me down and I’m gonna try to beat him up. I’m going to beat him up where ever the fight goes. I’m going to punch him in the face, that’s my gameplan.”

“Joe’s not very tricky. The fans know, everyone knows, he’s going to try to lay on me for three rounds. He wants to lay on top. He likes the guillotine and he’s finished some guys with that, but other than that he doesn’t have much.”

I’m expecting Fisher to want to stand up in this one and it might stay on the feet for a little while, but I look for Joe to take this fight to the ground eventually. I see him scoring points with a takedown or two in the first round. Fisher will need to make sure to watch out for the choke, RNC or guillotine. I see this going to decision.